The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/402034
MICHIGAN FOOTBALL (3.29) and No. 8 in rushing defense (93.6 yards allowed per game). They were also ninth in total defense, allowing only 301.0 yards per contest. • U-M's first three losses (at Notre Dame and home to Utah and Minnesota) marked the first time in program history that the Wolverines had dropped three games before October. The 30-14 loss to the Golden Gophers means U-M will have one shot — next year's Oct. 31 game in Minneapolis — to get the Little Brown Jug back in the near future. The two teams won't play until at least 2020, with the Big Ten schedule set through 2019. • Head coach Brady Hoke shrugged off criticism of junior return man Dennis Norfleet's dance routines prior to kick and punt returns. "You talk about a guy who loves the game and brings en- ergy every day — this is what he has," Hoke said. "He was in- spired … he brings a lot of en- ergy. He's like that every day, and when the whistle blows, he's as focused as anybody on getting out and competing at a high level." • Long snapper on a college football team is a position that comes with little fanfare and less spotlight — unless, as for- mer Wolverines snapper Tom Pomarico said a few years ago at the postseason football ban- quet, you do something wrong. So far, so good for redshirt freshman Scott Sypniewski. The 6-1, 221-pounder has been out- standing through seven games, head coach Brady Hoke noted heading into the bye week, as has holder Kenny Allen. Senior kicker Matt Wile credited both with creating a great bond on the field goal unit. Head coach Brady Hoke loves the energy junior return man Dennis Norfleet (above) brings to the field every day. PHOTO BY CYLE NUNEMAKER